Chicken Casserole with a Crunchy Topping

 

Chicken Casserole with a Crunchy Topping 🍗✨

A cozy, creamy, and crave-worthy family favorite

When you think of the ultimate comfort food, a creamy Chicken Casserole with a Crunchy Topping is hard to beat. It’s the kind of dish that warms the heart, fills the kitchen with delicious aromas, and brings everyone to the table with a smile.

This classic casserole combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty noodles or rice — all baked together and finished with a golden, buttery, crunchy topping. It’s simple, satisfying, and exactly what you want on a chilly evening or busy weeknight.

Whether you’re feeding a family, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving something cozy, this casserole is always a hit.

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🥣 Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

• 2 cups cooked egg noodles or rice

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup diced onion (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crunchy Topping:

• 1½ cups crushed butter crackers (like Ritz) or cornflakes

• 4 tablespoons melted butter

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👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, noodles (or rice), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, milk, onion, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.

3. Assemble the Casserole:
   Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

4. Add the Crunchy Topping:
   In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers (or cornflakes) with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.

5. Bake to Perfection:
   Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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🧀 Tips & Variations

• Add veggies: Stir in frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.

• Make it zesty: Add a dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of paprika to the topping.

• Use leftovers: This is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey.

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💛 Why You’ll Love It

This Chicken Casserole with a Crunchy Topping is the definition of comfort. The creamy, cheesy filling satisfies your craving for something hearty, while the crisp, buttery topping adds that irresistible texture that makes every bite perfect.

It’s a family favorite that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for company — proof that the best recipes are often the simplest ones.